Girls Rock After School Program

Girls Rock After School Program (GRASP) is a 10-week program for girls 8-18 years old. Students attend instrument lessons, form a band, collaboratively write an original song, participate in workshops, and perform with their band at a live showcase.

Registration for GRASP 2012 is now closed

GRASP 2012 Dates & Times:

Elementary School Students: Tuesdays, January 10th – March 13th
Middle School Students: Wednesdays, January 11th – March 14th
High School Students: Thursdays, January 12th – March 15th

Each session begins at 4pm and ends at 6:30pm.

The showcase for all three groups will be on Saturday, March 17th at the Oakland Metro Operahouse.

GRASP is held at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts - 1428 Alice St in Downtown Oakland, CA.

GRASP Activities:

  • Instrument instruction: Students sign up to learn bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, or vocals, and attend one-hour lessons in groups of 3-5 students.  No musical experience is required and we provide instruments for everyone (but students are welcome to bring their own guitars or basses).
     
  • Band practice: Students form bands with their peers on the first day of GRASP, and work together to collaboratively write an original song. Each band works with a female mentor (their "band manager") who provides guidance, encouragement and technical support throughout the songwriting process.
     
  • Workshops: Students attend workshops in place of instrument instruction for two weeks of the session.  Workshops are geared toward self-expression and building confidence, while challenging gender stereotypes and addressing discrimination. Workshops at GRASP are catered to each age group and may include Music Herstory, Zine & Comic Making, Screenprinting, Image & Identity, Healthy Relationships, Video-making, Songwriting, How to Book a Show, Breakdancing, Self-Defense, Alternative Instruments and more.
     
  • Showcase: On Saturday, March 17th, each band will perform its original song at a live showcase, attended by 300-400 friends, family and adoring fans.

Sample Schedule:

4:00 - 4:15pm: Group Assembly
4:15 - 5:15pm: Instrument Instruction/Workshop
5:15 - 5:30pm: Snack & Break
5:30 - 6:30pm: Band Practice 


Tuition:

Full tuition for GRASP is $325. We offer full and partial financial aid upon request, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Interested in volunteering at GRASP? Find out more on our volunteer page.